President Mahama Calls for New Era of Co-Investment as Africa Pushes to Build Its Own Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Industry
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a bold reimagining of Africa’s partnership with the global community, urging a shift from dependency toward co-investment, innovation and shared values to strengthen the continent’s health and industrial resilience.
Speaking at the World Health Expo Leaders Summit 2025 in Accra on Tuesday, President Mahama said Africa is no longer seeking handouts but equitable collaboration that empowers the continent to manufacture its own vaccines, medicines, and medical technologies.
“Africa seeks a new paradigm of partnership, one that is defined not by dependency, but by co-investment, innovation and shared values,” President Mahama stated.
He called on global vaccine manufacturers to work with African governments and institutions to establish vaccine production hubs across the continent, a step he said is crucial for preventing future global health disruptions.
“We call on vaccine manufacturers to partner with us to build African vaccine production hubs,” he said.
“Africa must never again be left behind in a global emergency.”
President Mahama also urged pharmaceutical companies to expand into biologics, generics, essential medicines, diagnostics and biotech innovation, noting that Africa’s rapidly growing population and improving regulatory environment make it an attractive destination for investment.
“We call on pharmaceutical companies to expand into biologics, generics and essential medicine manufacturing in Africa,” he emphasized.
“Diagnostics firms, biotech innovators and medical device producers must see Africa as a natural home for assembly plants, R&D centres and fabrication facilities.”
He further appealed to development finance institutions, private equity firms, venture capital and philanthropies to join in co-financing Africa’s emerging health industrialization sector, stressing that the moment is ripe for transformative investment.
“The conditions have never been more favourable,” President Mahama said.
“Africa is ready, the market is ready, and our people are ready to build a healthier, more resilient future.”
Mahama’s remarks come amid growing continental momentum to localize vaccine production and reduce Africa’s heavy dependence on imported pharmaceuticals a gap that left the continent vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His call signals Africa’s commitment to becoming a global player in pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare innovation and medical technology, backed by strategic partnerships that value mutual growth.
